Joyce Benson z’l Classic Bridge Lunch Raised £4,926 for Chai

On Sunday 20th October, over 100 enthusiastic and competitive bridge players gathered at Maccabi in Giffnock for the Chai ‘Joyce Benson z’l Classic Bridge Brunch’, an event dedicated to honouring the memory of Joyce Benson z’l. Hosted by her sons, Michael and Greg Benson, the event raised an impressive £4,926 which will help towards Chai’s vital work for the Glasgow community.

The day began with a delicious buffet brunch by L’Chaims Restaurant and an exciting raffle featuring numerous prizes, followed by an afternoon of Bridge.

Michael Benson spoke fondly of his mum’s dedication to the game: “For our Joycie, bridge was her passion, her profession, her obsession. She made us all proud. I’m sure you’d agree there’s no better way to honour Joyce’s memory than a game of bridge, all in aid of raising some funds for the incredible charity Chai Cancer Care – who provided our mum with loving care, kindness and helpful advice throughout her illness.”

During the event, Chai Client, Orli Schechter shared her moving story about the invaluable support her family received from Chai during her father’s cancer journey. “We lost Dad a year and a bit ago. He was given 4-6 weeks to live after a surprise cancer diagnosis. I didn’t know how to tell my kids. So I reached out to Chai to ask for advice. Our boys were 10, 12 and 19 at the time. We had a Barmitzvah looming and so much to look forward to and were suddenly having to face up to the fact that the head of our family wasn’t going to be there. But my Dad was some man. An Israeli, 6 foot tall and the strongest man I knew. And he fought. He ended up fighting for 21 months.

Chai’s advice was invaluable and became a lifeline for me, offering support and counselling when I needed it most. The Glasgow Chai team were amazing.”

Orli also highlighted how Chai supported her young son: “Our situation caused huge anxiety for him, including separation anxiety. I reached out to Chai who connected him with a therapist. She and my boy hit it off from the start and she became a crucial part of his world at that time. I don’t know what went on in those sessions, but she helped put him back together again, allowing him to enjoy his childhood.

Looking back, Chai’s support helped me to support my mum, my siblings, my husband and my kids. Insights I’d never have had or understandings that I had never considered before, without having to explain some of the Yiddishee stuff; the crazy Jewish and Israeli cultures, my family life or even just my Jewish guilt… Chai’s help gave me time to focus on myself to help me and everyone around me. It really was so needed at that awful time in my life.”

Chai’s CEO, Lisa Steele, spoke of Chai’s commitment to supporting individuals affected by a cancer diagnosis: “In a community where pretty much everyone knows each other, confidentiality is at the top of our priority list.  Recognising this, we now have a dedicated space in the Walton Jewish Community Centre with its own private entrance, or if clients prefer, they can be seen in their own homes. Chai has always been 100% client focused, addressing the emotional impact and physical-side effects of cancer diagnoses and treatments. Chai in Glasgow is no different. We are here for you all.”

Chai Client Services Managers, Mandy Strang and Hazel Tenby said: “This was a really important event to raise awareness of Chai’s vital services for the Glasgow Community.”